About

On 19 September I will be taking part in the Royal Parks Swim Serpentine event in London's Hyde Park in support of The All Star Tennis Trust. Swimming doesn't come naturally to me, so I'll be tackling the half-mile course at breaststroke pace, with the simple ambition of reaching the finish. Training is well underway at Tooting Lido, although wrestling myself into the wetsuit sometimes feels harder than the swim itself. As a very average tennis player, I've enjoyed the health, friendship and social benefits of local tennis for decades. This swim is my chance to give a little back by raising funds for a charity that helps young people enjoy those same opportunities. The All Star Tennis Trust gives local children, who may otherwise never have the chance, the opportunity to take part in organised sport. It supports breakfast clubs in primary schools, community outreach programmes and junior development squads. For those with exceptional talent and commitment, it also helps fund coaching, fitness training, equipment and tournament expenses. Over the years, the Trust has enabled many young people to grow in confidence through sport, while helping some progress to professional coaching qualifications and sporting scholarships at American universities. Run entirely by volunteers, the Trust has no overheads, so every penny donated goes directly to supporting young people. This is community sport at its very best—changing lives, one opportunity at a time.